New research from Modern Campus and The EvoLLLution, in partnership with UPCEA and CAUCE, highlights how institutions are evolving to meet growing demand for flexible, career-connected education 

TORONTO, April 15, 2026 — Modern Campus and The EvoLLLution, in partnership with UPCEA and CAUCE, today announced the release of the 2026 State of Continuing Education Report, revealing that continuing education is entering a new phase of growth—one defined by stronger alignment with workforce needs, increased learner demand, and expanding institutional commitment. The research shows how colleges and universities are advancing continuing education as a core driver of institutional relevance and learner success. 

This report draws on insights from more than 100 higher education institutions to examine program strategy, learner demand, and operational capabilities. The findings reveal a clear trend: institutions are making meaningful progress in building flexible, workforce-aligned learning models designed to serve modern learners.  

Accelerating Toward Workforce-Aligned Learning 

Institutions are increasingly prioritizing short-form, career-connected education that meets learners where they are. Microcredentials have reached an all-time high, offered by 88% of online and professional continuing education (PCE) units, alongside growing adoption of stackable credentials and industry-aligned programs.  

These shifts reflect a broader transformation—where continuing education is becoming central to how institutions support lifelong learning and workforce readiness. 

“Continuing education is not a peripheral function; it’s a critical way institutions serve learners,” said Lisa Rochman, Acting Chair of Data Collection Committee of CAUCE, “As the pace of industry shifts accelerate, continuing education enables universities to respond quickly to community and workforce needs through shorter, targeted, industry-aligned programs that prepare learners for in-demand roles and address emerging skills gaps.” 

Key findings include: 

• 88% of institutions now offer microcredentials, the most widely adopted program type 

• Adult learners and transfer students remain the primary audience, served by 99% of PCE units 

• Average enrollment reached 16,046 learners, signaling continued demand and sustained growth 

• 67% of institutions are likely to expand workforce-aligned programs in response to Workforce Pell 

Together, these trends point to a sector that is evolving quickly to meet new expectations from learners and employers alike.  

Building the Foundation for Scalable Growth 

As continuing education expands, institutions are placing greater focus on strengthening the systems and support needed to scale. Leaders are prioritizing improvements in operational efficiency, cross-campus collaboration, and data visibility to support long-term success. 

“Continuing education is now where institutional adaptation becomes real,” said Emily West, Senior Market Research Analyst at UPCEA and lead study author. “The question is not whether to build workforce-aligned pathways. It is whether the institution can modernize the systems, staffing, and decision-making needed to deliver them with credibility and measurable outcomes.” 

Institutions identified key enablers for growth, including: 

• Easy, efficient registration processes 

• Improved access to learner data and performance insights 

• Streamlined program and credential management 

These investments are helping institutions create more connected, responsive learning environments that can adapt to changing market demands.  

Unlocking Opportunity with Workforce Pell 

Workforce Pell is emerging as a significant opportunity to expand access to short-term, workforce-aligned programs. Institutions broadly agree on its potential to benefit both learners and the institution—driving further innovation in program development and delivery. 

As institutions prepare to take advantage of this opportunity, many are enhancing their data and reporting capabilities to support future growth and accountability.  

A More Connected Future for Continuing Education 

The report highlights a clear direction for higher education: continuing education is becoming more integrated, more strategic, and more essential to institutional growth. 

Success will depend on the ability to connect programs, systems, and learner data—creating seamless experiences that support learners from initial engagement through career outcomes. 

“Continuing education is becoming central to how institutions grow and stay relevant,” said Craig Chanoff, CEO of Modern Campus. “Institutions that can deliver flexible, workforce-aligned learning—and connect those experiences across the learner journey—are unlocking new pathways for learners and driving meaningful impact for their communities.” 

Download the Report 

The full 2026 State of Continuing Education Report is available now. To explore how institutions are advancing continuing education—and what’s next for workforce-aligned learning—download the report here. 

About Modern Campus 

Modern Campus empowers more than 1,700 higher education institutions to attract, engage, and retain learners for life. Through its learner-to-earner lifecycle platform, Modern Campus helps institutions align curriculum, credentials, and career pathways to deliver flexible, outcomes-driven learner experiences. By supporting both traditional and nontraditional education models, Modern Campus enables institutions to adapt, compete, and serve learners across every stage of their educational journey. 

About The EvoLLLution 

The EvoLLLution is an online publication focused on the transformation of higher education. Publishing articles and interviews by higher education leaders since 2011, The EvoLLLution explores innovation, access, workforce alignment and the evolving postsecondary landscape. Founded by Modern Campus, The EvoLLLution provides a platform for thought leadership shaping the future of higher education. Visit evolllution.com.  

About UPCEA 

UPCEA is the online and professional education association. Our members continuously reinvent higher education, positively impacting millions of lives. We proudly lead and support them through cutting edge research, professional development, networking and mentorship, conferences and seminars and stakeholder advocacy. Our collaborative, entrepreneurial community brings together decision makers and influencers in education, industry, research and policy interested in improving educational access and outcomes. Visit upcea.edu. 

About CAUCE 

The Canadian Association for University Continuing Education (CAUCE) is a professional association of deans, directors, senior administrative personal and practitioners whose professional careers are in university continuing education in Canada.